Dry rot, wet rot and woodworm identified, treated and repaired, with the moisture source fixed so it doesn't come back. Covering Petersfield & Alton, Romsey & the New Forest and Winchester and across Hampshire.
Book a surveyTimber decay in Hampshire properties is usually hidden: under floorboards, behind skirting and panelling, in roof voids and at the ends of joists built into damp walls.
By the time it is visible, it has often been active for some time. Our PCA-qualified surveyors identify exactly which fungus or insect is present, how far it has spread and what is feeding it, then carry out treatment and timber repairs in one programme.
Thatched cottages, timber-framed farmhouses and flint buildings across Hampshire contain a lot of old timber, and in the New Forest and river valleys damp conditions are common.
We regularly survey and treat woodworm in roof timbers and floor joists, and wet and dry rot where leaks or poor ventilation have kept timber wet.
Hampshire ranges from Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Portsmouth, Southsea and Southampton to flint and brick cottages, thatched village houses and listed buildings around Winchester, Romsey and the New Forest. Garrison towns such as Aldershot and Farnborough have large numbers of early twentieth-century homes, where original damp proof courses and wall ties are reaching the end of their life.
Coastal properties face salt-laden, wind-driven rain, while rural cottages with suspended timber floors and limited sub-floor ventilation are prone to timber decay. Damp traced to failed render, pointing and rainwater goods is common across the county.
Market-town period properties with suspended timber floors, often with blocked sub-floor ventilation that leads to rot.
Thatched and timber-framed cottages and riverside properties near the Test, where timber decay and flooding feature in our surveys.
Historic buildings beside the Itchen, many listed and built with chalk, flint and lime, which need sympathetic, breathable treatments.
Dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) is the most serious form of timber decay because it can spread through masonry to reach new timber. Treatment starts by finding and stopping the source of moisture. Affected timber is then cut out well beyond the last visible signs of decay, surrounding masonry is sterilised where needed, and retained timber is treated with professional fungicide before new, pre-treated timber is fitted.
Wet rot is more common and stays where the timber is wet. Once the leak, damp wall or poor ventilation is fixed, decayed timber is replaced or repaired and sound timber is treated. We often find wet rot in window frames, skirting boards, joist ends and sub-floors with blocked air bricks.
Woodworm treatment begins with confirming whether an infestation is active. Old flight holes are common in period properties and don't always need treatment. Where beetles are active, we apply a targeted insecticide treatment to the affected timbers and advise on any structural repairs.
A PCA-qualified, commission-free surveyor visits your Hampshire property, investigates with calibrated equipment and identifies the cause.
You receive a clear written report explaining what we found and what we recommend, with a fixed quotation and no hidden extras.
Our own trained team carries out the work, protecting your home, keeping dust down and leaving everything clean.
You receive a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee for a single premium.
We cover Hampshire from north-east towns such as Farnborough, Fleet and Basingstoke through to Winchester and the south coast. We regularly work in Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Portchester, Aldershot, Alton and Alresford, and throughout Winchester, Basingstoke & Deane, Hart, Rushmoor, East Hampshire and Test Valley.
Towns and areas we cover in Hampshire
Find out more about our dry rot & timber treatment service.
Book a survey
If you’ve noticed any of these issues, arranging a professional survey is the best way to identify the cause and prevent further damage.
In the right conditions dry rot can spread surprisingly quickly, sending strands through walls and behind plaster to reach new timber. That is why any suspected outbreak in Hampshire should be inspected promptly rather than left until it is visible elsewhere.
They look different under inspection and are treated differently. Dry rot produces cube-shaped cracking, white mycelium and grey strands and can travel through masonry. Wet rot stays where the timber is wet. A timber survey confirms which you have before any work is priced.
Not always. Many period properties have historic flight holes from an infestation that died out long ago. We check for fresh bore dust and clean, sharp-edged holes to decide whether treatment is actually needed.
Yes. Our timber treatments carry a written guarantee, which can be protected by an Insurance Backed Guarantee (IBG) for a single premium.
We cover Hampshire from Farnborough, Fleet and Basingstoke through Winchester to Portsmouth, Southampton and the New Forest. Call us to confirm availability for your postcode.
Yes. We regularly work on period and listed buildings around Winchester, Romsey and the New Forest, using materials and methods that suit how they were built.
We cover Hampshire from north-east towns such as Farnborough, Fleet and Basingstoke through to Winchester and the south coast. Towns we visit regularly include Basingstoke, Portsmouth, Portchester, Aldershot, Alton, Alresford, Andover and Appleshaw. If yours isn't listed, give us a call and we'll confirm.
Also in Hampshire
Our other specialist services for Hampshire homes, landlords and businesses.
Rising damp, penetrating damp and damp proof courses. Most common around Winchester and Portsmouth & Southsea.
Basement damp proofing, tanking and conversions. Most common around Winchester and Romsey & the New Forest.
Black mould, streaming windows and ventilation. Most common around Portsmouth & Southsea and Basingstoke.
Pre-purchase and mortgage surveys. Especially worthwhile for older homes around Winchester and Romsey & the New Forest.
Wall tie replacement and crack stitching. Most common around Southampton and Farnborough, Fleet & Aldershot.
Leaks, floods and burst pipes. Most common around Romsey & the New Forest and Portsmouth & Southsea.
Client testimonials
Tapco have just completed damp proofing my house and I can't fault the quality of their work and professionalism of their operatives. A great job from start to finish, I highly recommend them.
Live just outside Hampshire? We cover the neighbouring counties too.
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From our offices in Thames Ditton and Esher, our surveyors cover London and the surrounding counties, providing fast response times for residential and commercial properties alike.
We regularly work with:
Whether your property requires a damp survey, timber inspection or basement waterproofing system, our experienced team is ready to help.
Our certifications reflect our commitment to the highest standards of work and quality.
Why Tapco
Established in 1971
Choosing Tapco HomeDry means choosing a company with a proven history of protecting properties across the South East.
We believe every property deserves an individual assessment. That’s why our recommendations are based on what your building genuinely needs, not unnecessary treatments.
Tapco (Preservation) Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative (Financial Services Register No. 423558) of Phoenix Financial Consultants Limited (Phoenix). Phoenix is a credit broker, not a lender. Phoenix is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 539195), and offers finance from its panel of lenders. All finance subject to status and credit checks.
